The tracker secured the iron clamps. The mage fixed the stone band to its anchors. On the other side of the throne-room doors, the first undead reached the hall.
The doors shook but remained closed.
Kildra descended the steps of his throne.
[Kildra, Warden of the Last Threshold]
"What do you seek beyond me?" he asked.
Matthew had expected a threat. The question made him hesitate.
"The next level."
Black fire moved along Kildra's armor. "Then prove you can survive the road to it."
Golden Axe formed up in front of the Warden.
The shield-bearer took the center. Matthew stood to his right, the tracker to his left. The mage and healer remained far enough apart that one attack could not reach both. They had practiced those positions until returning to them felt more natural than standing alone.
